Bo Jackson
| Birthdate | 11/30/1962 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1986 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Angels, Oakland Raiders, Royals, White Sox |
| Positions | Center Field, Designated Hitter, Left Field, Right Field, Running Back |
Bo Jackson earned the Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp Award, an MLB All Star Game MVP Award, and an NFL Pro Bowl nomination.
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Bo Jackson had a remarkable football career in both college and in the NFL
Bo Jackson had a remarkable football career in both college and in the NFL
Bo Jackson had a remarkable college football career at Auburn University. As a running back, he rushed for 4,303 yards, ranking fourth in SEC history. Jackson also set an SEC record with an average of 6.6 yards per carry.
In 1983, he helped Auburn win the Sugar Bowl and earned MVP honors. The next year, Jackson led the Tigers to victory in the Liberty Bowl and was named MVP again.
In 1985, he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy, recognizing him as the top college football player. Auburn retired his number 34, making it third retired number in program history.
Jackson’s talent extended beyond college football. He entered the professional football world in 1987, signing with the Los Angeles Raiders.
In his rookie season, Jackson set a Monday Night Football record with a 221-yard rushing performance, a record that still stands. He rushed for 950 yards in 1989, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns.
Jackson earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1990. After four seasons in the NFL, a hip injury cut his football career short in 1991. Most observers agree that if not for the hip injury, Bo Jackson would be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The picture above shows Bo posing with his Heisman Trophy.
Two-sport athlete Bo Jackson played at baseball's highest level for 8 seasons
Two-sport athlete Bo Jackson played at baseball's highest level for 8 seasons
Bo Jackson’s athletic ability shone so brightly that the New York Yankees selected him in the second round of the 1982 MLB June Amateur Draft just after he graduated from McAdory High School. Instead of signing, Jackson opted to attend Auburn University and play both football and baseball.
In 1985 the California Angels drafted him in the 20th round. The following year the Kansas City Royals took him in the fourth round of the 1986 MLB Draft. Jackson signed a three-year, $1 million contract with KC and started in the minors with the Double-A Memphis Chicks.
Bo threw out Harold Reynolds at the plate in one of his most memorable feats
Bo threw out Harold Reynolds at the plate in one of his most memorable feats
In baseball a five-tool player hits for average, runs, throws, fields, and hits for power. Bo Jackson put all five tools on display during his 8-year big league career. His most memorable throw was on June 5, 1989 against the Seattle Mariners.
Bo’s game-saving heave came in the bottom of the 10th inning in a 3-3 tie at Seattle’s Kingdome. The toss cut down Mariner speedster Harold Reynolds at the plate, kept the game knotted. It allowed the game to continue until the Royals pushed across two in the 13th to win the game.
The American League stolen base champ in 1987 tells the story.
“So I’m on first base, Scott Bradley is at the plate. I’m stealing on the play and he hits it into the left field corner. I’m running and I see where Bo’s at and I see where the ball is at and I’m like, ‘Game over.’ I’m flying full tilt and as I come around third, Darnell Coles was the next hitter. He’s standing there going, ‘You gotta slide! You gotta slide!’.
“And I’m in my head going, ‘Slide? What’s he talking about? Ok I’ll give it a courtesy slide, you know?’.
“Bob Boone the catcher had actually taken his mask off and starting walking towards the dugout. So I’m seeing Darnell telling me to slide and I’m seeing Booney start to walk off, and I’m thinking, ‘Who’s wrong here?’.
“I go, ‘Ok, maybe Boone’s trying to deke me so I better keep going hard.’ But he was walking to the dugout. And so next thing you know, the ball, Bo gets it, catches it barehand one hop off the fence, spins and throws it in the air. All the way. No stride, no recoil step. He didn’t have time. He just caught it and threw it like this all the way in the air and got me.
“I mean, this is the greatest play in the history of baseball.”
In the collection is the final contract Reynolds signed to appear on Topps baseball cards. Dated 2/25/1993, the three-year contract extension was signed in his penultimate season.
Bo put on a powerful display of grace and athleticism in the 1989 MLB All Star Game
Bo put on a powerful display of grace and athleticism in the 1989 MLB All Star Game
Bo Jackson’s performance in the 1989 All-Star Game at Anaheim Stadium remains legendary. In the bottom of the first inning, Jackson stepped up to the plate with the crowd buzzing.
He faced Giants pitcher Rick Reuschel, who offered up a fastball over the plate. Jackson, with his trademark power, timed the pitch perfectly and launched the ball into the night sky.
It sailed over the outfield wall, becoming a memorable home run. The crowd erupted in excitement, recognizing the power and grace of one of the most gifted athletes in sports.
Jackson’s home run was a statement of his abilities, combining strength, timing, and raw athleticism. At that moment, he cemented his place as a fan favorite, thrilling the hometown crowd. The blast set the tone for a game filled with highlights, but it was Jackson’s towering homer that stood out.
The autographed Topps baseball cards above feature Rick Reuschel. The one on the left is from the 1978 set while the “Big League Brothers” card is from 1977.
In baseball's 1989 All Star Game, Vin Scully said, "Bo Jackson says hello!"
In baseball's 1989 All Star Game, Vin Scully said, "Bo Jackson says hello!"
Vin Scully’s call of Bo Jackson’s home run during the 1989 All-Star Game became one of baseball’s most iconic moments. As the game unfolded, Bo Jackson stepped up to the plate to lead off the bottom of the first inning. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, knowing Jackson’s power.
He wasn’t just any player—he was a two-sport star who had captivated fans with his incredible athleticism.
Bo saw the pitch from Rick Reuschel, and with one powerful swing, he sent the ball soaring high into the sky. The ball sailed out of the park, landing in the bleachers with ease.
As Jackson’s towering home run cleared the fence, Scully’s voice sent goosebumps to the national audience: “He’s remarkable and look at that one! Bo Jackson says hello!” His words captured the moment perfectly, blending excitement with admiration.
Jackson’s home run stunned everyone, and Scully’s call only enhanced its greatness. The moment became a symbol of Jackson’s all-around athleticism and Scully’s unmatched ability to bring drama to every game.
In that instant, Scully immortalized the 1989 All-Star Game, leaving fans with a memory that would last forever.
The above image shows Scully’s 1995 William J. Slocumb Award. The prestigious honor was previously bestowed upon the likes of Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Connie Mack and more than 50 Hall of Famers.
Bo Jackson and Wade Boggs hit back-to-back 1st inning All Star homers in '89
Bo Jackson and Wade Boggs hit back-to-back 1st inning All Star homers in '89
On July 11, 1989, during the 66th MLB All-Star Game at Anaheim Stadium, Bo Jackson and Wade Boggs made history. They became the first pair of players in All-Star history to lead off the first inning with back-to-back home runs.
Rick Reuschel, the National League pitcher, took the mound and quickly became the victim of the blasts. Jackson smashed a towering home run, setting the tone for the game.
In the announcer’s booth was Vin Scully, joined by guest and former president Ronald Reagan. After Jackson’s ball landed in the stands, Boggs worked the count to 3-and-2. On the next pitch, the Hall of Fame third baseman hammered Reuschel’s full-count offering. As the ball took flight, Reagan chimed in, “Hey, that looks like it’s going there too!”
Scully described the scene, “A rather electrifying moment here in Anaheim. With the National League leading two-to-nothing, consecutive home runs by Bo Jackson and Wade Boggs.”
These two early homers immediately erased the National League’s 2-run lead and tied the game. Jackson’s raw power and Boggs’ hitting precision sparked the offense and helped the American League maintain control.
The game ended with a 5-3 victory for the American League, with the heroics of Jackson and Boggs heroics playing a key role in the win. Jackson, a dual-sport star, and Boggs, a hitting legend, left their mark on the 66th All-Star Game, making it one of the most exciting starts in MLB history.
In the collection is a contract signed by Wade Boggs agreeing to have his signature appear on souvenir baseballs with stamped autographs.
The terms of the contract?
Boggs received one cent per ball sold. Interestingly Boggs signed the contract on March 7, 1982 but would not debut in the big leagues until April 10 later that year.
In an MVP performance, Bo was the second player to homer and steal a base in All Star play
In an MVP performance, Bo was the second player to homer and steal a base in All Star play
Bo Jackson delivered an unforgettable MVP performance during the 1989 MLB All-Star Game at Anaheim Stadium. In the top of the first inning, he made a crucial catch, snaring Pedro Guerrero’s two-out line drive in left-center field to prevent two runs from scoring.
Jackson then came up to bat in the bottom of the first and crushed a towering home run, giving the American League an early lead.
In the second inning, Jackson raced down the baseline to beat the throw on a potential double play, driving in the eventual winning run.
He didn’t stop there, stealing second base and becoming just the second player in All-Star Game history to hit a home run and steal a base in the same game, joining Willie Mays.
Jackson finished his MVP performance 2-for-4 with one run scored, the stolen base, and two RBIs. His efforts helped the American League secure a 5-3 victory over the National League. Jackson’s all-around display of power, speed, and clutch play made him the star of the game, solidifying his legendary status in baseball history.
Shown here is Willie Mays’ endorsement contract for the “pitch back” net that enabled youngsters to play catch by themselves. Mays received $500 for the exclusive right to use his name and likeness for the product. The length of the agreement spanned the 1962 season.
Jackson became the 30th member of the Kansas City Royals team Hall of Fame in 2024
Jackson became the 30th member of the Kansas City Royals team Hall of Fame in 2024
Bo Jackson was a nationally-known football star in 1986. The MVP of both the Sugar and Liberty Bowls, Jackson earned the Heisman Trophy in 1985. In the following year’s draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made him the first overall pick. The lowly Bucs were coming off of a 2-win season and had a 46 wins, 102 losses and one tie in their the-year existence.
Jackson had no desire to play for them.
The only way to nullify the Bucs’ rights to Jackson was for Bo to sit out an entire season and re-enter the draft the following year. Jackson decided to do just that.
When the Kansas City Royals took him in the fourth-round of the ’86 June MLB draft, Bo signed. His vast athletic abilities soon electrified the KC faithful.
Jackson’s five years in a Royals uniform included four seasons with at least 20 home runs, highlighted by a 32-homer performance in his 1989 All Star campaign. Bo recieved the franchise’s highest honor in 2024 when the Royals made him the 30th member of their team Hall of Fame.
The image above shows a 1974 All Star card signed by Amos Otis and Cesar Cedeno. Otis was part of the inaugural class of the Royals Hall of Fame in 1986.
